Planning to buy a home? One of the biggest questions you’ll face is figuring out how much cash you need upfront. This down payment calculator will show you what you can afford to spend on a house, what your monthly payments will look like, and how different down payments affect your mortgage.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving up to your next home, using our down payment calculator will take the guesswork out of the equation.

Home Down Payment Calculator

Down Payment Calculator
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Down Payment:
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Home Price $XXX,XXX
Monthly Payment $XXX,XXX

How the Down Payment Calculator Works

Our house down payment calculator makes it easy to see how different scenarios play out. You start by entering your target home price, the interest rate you expect to get, and your preferred loan term (usually 15 or 30 years). Then comes the fun part — adjusting the down payment slider.

As you move the slider, you’ll watch three key numbers change in real time:

  • The down payment percentage shows what portion of the home price you’re covering upfront.
  • The home price adjusts based on how much you’re putting down.
  • Your estimated monthly payment adjusts to show how a bigger or smaller down payment affects what you’ll pay each month.

This tool is especially helpful when you’re trying to figure out whether to drain your savings for a larger down payment or keep more cash on hand for emergencies and home repairs. Play around with different amounts to find the sweet spot that works for your budget.

What’s the Average Down Payment on a House?

If you’re wondering what other buyers are putting down, the numbers might surprise you. On average, first-time homebuyers make a down payment of about 6% of the purchase price. Meanwhile, when you look at all buyers, including people who’ve owned homes before, the average down payment jumps to around 13%.

In dollar terms, most people put down somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000, though this varies dramatically based on where you’re buying. A 6% down payment on a $250,000 home is $15,000, but that same percentage on a $500,000 property means coming up with $30,000.

Several factors drive these averages. First-time buyers often have less equity from a previous home sale, so they rely more heavily on savings and assistance programs. Repeat buyers might roll equity from their last home into a bigger down payment. Your local market matters too — homes in expensive coastal cities require more cash upfront than properties in more affordable regions.

The takeaway? Don’t feel pressured to match some arbitrary standard. Focus on what makes sense for your finances, not what everyone else is doing.

How Much Should You Put Down on a House?

There’s no universal right answer, but understanding the tradeoffs of making a larger vs. smaller down payment helps you make the best decision.

The advantages of a larger down payment are:

  • Lower monthly payments: Borrowing less means your principal and interest payments drop, freeing up money for other expenses.
  • No PMI requirement: Put down 20% or more on a conventional loan, and you avoid private mortgage insurance, which typically costs 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount annually.
  • Better loan terms: Mortgage lenders often offer lower interest rates when you have more skin in the game, saving you thousands over the life of the loan.
  • Stronger offer: In competitive markets, sellers favor buyers who put more down because it signals financial stability and reduces the chance of financing falling through.

However, a large down payment doesn’t make sense for every buyer. The benefits of a lower down payment include:

  • Preserve cash reserves: Keeping money in the bank means you’re ready for unexpected repairs, job changes, or emergencies without scrambling.
  • Get into a home sooner: Saving 20% can take years, during which time home prices might rise faster than you can save.
  • Investment opportunities: If you can earn more than your mortgage rate through investments, it might make sense to put less down and invest the difference.
  • Multiple loan options: Programs like FHA (3.5% down), conventional loans (3% down), and specialized programs make homeownership accessible without a massive cash pile.

So, when does putting down 20% make sense? You should consider making a 20% down payment if you have the cash available and want to minimize your monthly payment. It’s especially smart when you’re buying a pricier home where PMI could cost several hundred dollars per month. If you plan to stay in the home long-term and have strong cash reserves even after the down payment, going with 20% gives you the best loan terms and lowest total cost.

For many buyers, making a down payment of less than 20% makes more sense. You might consider doing this if saving 20% would take years and delay your home purchase indefinitely. It’s also the right move when you’re a first-time buyer using an FHA loan or taking advantage of VA loans with no money down. Putting down less also makes sense if you want to keep emergency savings intact or if you’re confident your income will grow and you can refinance later.

What Factors Affect How Much You Need to Put Down?

A couple shaking hands with their realtor and receiving the keys to their new home.
There are a few main factors that determine your minimum down payment and what makes sense for your situation. These include:

  • Loan type: The mortgage program you choose sets the baseline for how much you’ll need to put down. Conventional home loans allow for down payments as low as 3% for qualified buyers. Meanwhile, FHA loans require 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher.
  • Home price and location: More expensive homes mean bigger down payments, even at the same percentage. A 5% down payment on a $300,000 home is $15,000, but 5% of $600,000 is $30,000. Location matters because loan limits vary by county — you might need a bigger down payment in high-cost areas where you exceed conforming loan limits.

With these factors in play, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should put down.

If you’re still on the fence about whether buying makes sense right now compared to renting, use our rent vs buy calculator to see the costs of both options.

Tips for Saving for a Down Payment

Getting to your down payment goal takes planning and discipline, but it’s absolutely doable. Here are a few tips to help you save for a down payment:

  • Set a target using the calculator: Don’t just save blindly. Use our down payment calculator house tool to figure out exactly how much you need, then work backward to create a timeline. If you need $20,000 in three years, that’s about $555 per month.
  • Automate your savings: Set up accounts to automatically transfer money to a dedicated savings account the day after payday. Treating your down payment fund like a non-negotiable bill means you save consistently without relying on willpower.
  • Cut recurring expenses: Review your subscriptions, insurance policies, and monthly bills. Negotiate your cable and internet, switch to a cheaper phone plan, or cook more meals at home instead of eating out. Even saving an extra $200 per month adds up to $7,200 over three years.
  • Use windfalls strategically: Tax refunds, work bonuses, birthday money, and other unexpected cash should go straight into your down payment fund. Don’t let lifestyle inflation eat up raises — bank that extra income instead.
  • Explore down payment assistance programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer grants or low-interest loans for first-time buyers or people buying in specific neighborhoods. These programs can provide thousands of dollars in help, and some are forgivable if you stay in the home for a certain period. Check with local housing authorities and ask lenders what’s available in your area.

Track your progress using tools like the Griffin Gold app to stay motivated and see your goal getting closer each month.

No Down Payment Mortgages

You might be surprised to learn that some buyers can purchase a home with no money down. Two main programs make this possible:

  • VA loans: These loans are available to service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses. VA loans don’t require a down payment and don’t charge private mortgage insurance, making them one of the best deals in mortgages. You’ll pay a one-time funding fee (which can be rolled into the loan), but the lack of a down payment requirement means you can buy a home while keeping your savings intact.
  • USDA loans: These loans help buyers purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. If you meet income requirements and buy in a USDA-designated area, you can finance 100% of the purchase price.

Both programs have specific eligibility requirements, but if you qualify, they’re worth serious consideration.

Try Our Down Payment Calculator

Planning your home purchase doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our home down payment calculator gives you clear, immediate answers about what you can afford and how different scenarios affect your budget.

Griffin Funding specializes in helping buyers navigate every aspect of the mortgage process. We’ll walk you through down payment requirements, loan options, and strategies to make homeownership happen sooner.

Ready to explore your options? Use our calculator, then reach out to talk through your specific situation and get personalized guidance. Or get started online right away and lock in your rate.

Find the best loan for you. Reach out today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a loan to make a down payment?

In most cases, you can't use a traditional personal loan for your down payment because it creates additional debt that affects your debt-to-income ratio and loan approval. However, piggyback loans (also called 80-10-10 loans) are specifically designed for this purpose.

With a piggyback loan, you take out a mortgage for 80% of the home price along with a second mortgage for 10%, and put down 10% in cash. This strategy helps you avoid private mortgage insurance while putting down less than 20%.

Does a higher down payment lower your monthly mortgage payment?

Yes, absolutely. A larger down payment means borrowing less, which directly lowers your monthly principal and interest payments.

For example, on a $400,000 home with a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest, putting down $40,000 (10%) means borrowing $360,000 with a monthly payment of about $2,395. Increase that down payment to $80,000 (20%), and you're borrowing $320,000 with a monthly payment of around $2,129 — a savings of roughly $266 per month.

Plus, putting down 20% or more eliminates PMI on conventional loans, saving you even more each month.

Is the down payment included in closing costs?

No, the down payment and closing costs are separate expenses, though you pay both at closing. Your down payment goes directly toward the purchase price of the home and builds your equity from day one.

Closing costs cover the administrative expenses of finalizing your mortgage, including appraisal fees, title insurance, origination fees, escrow setup, and attorney fees.

Can I use gift funds for a down payment?

Yes, you can use gift funds for a down payment, and it’s becoming increasingly common thanks to what economists call the “Great Wealth Transfer.” As baby boomers pass trillions of dollars in wealth to younger generations, more homebuyers are receiving financial help from parents, grandparents, or relatives to buy their first home or move up to their next one.

Gift funds are money given to you by someone else—typically a family member, fiancé(e), or close relative—to help cover your down payment or closing costs. However, lenders have specific rules about where that money can come from and how it must be documented.

General rules for using gift funds are as follows:

  • Conventional Loans: You can use gift funds for your entire down payment and closing costs on a primary residence or second home. The gift must come from a relative, and you’ll need a gift letter stating the money is a gift, not a loan that must be repaid.
  • FHA Loans: Allow all or part of your down payment to come from a relative, employer, labor union, or close friend with a documented interest in you. A signed gift letter and proof of the donor’s funds transfer are required.
  • VA Loans and USDA Loans: These no down payment programs also allow gift funds to cover closing costs or reserves, as long as the money doesn’t come from an interested party (like a real estate agent, builder, or seller).

Bill Lyons is the Founder, CEO & President of Griffin Funding. Founded in 2013, Griffin Funding is a national boutique mortgage lender focusing on delivering 5-star service to its clients. Mr. Lyons has 24 years of experience in the mortgage business. Lyons is seen as an industry leader and expert in real estate finance. Lyons has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Wall Street Journal, HousingWire, and more. As a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Lyons is able to keep up with important changes in the industry to deliver the most value to Griffin's clients. Under Lyons' leadership, Griffin Funding has made the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies list five times in its 12 years in business.